other than porsche?

[rip]

I was wondering are who here is running rims other than porsche?

I would like to run 17x7 rims and because I can't afford porsche rims, figured I'd look towards the asian import community, but because I know nothing about the name brands there I was hoping if any one here has considered or bought wheels other than VW/porsche?

I really like the look of the 5 spoked porsche twisties. And I bought a import magazine to try and get a feel for who sells something similar. But the problem is that if I were to narrow the search down a bit there are so many companies there, I little to no way of knowing the quality of the rim.

any help is appreciated, thanks
Rip

[darren]

Yeah a lot of people are brainwashed into using porsche only rims, i can see the attraction and the 'links' to VW's but the price generally is ramped up as soon Porsche is mentioned.

Its all down to personal preference or budget and imagination.

Im using Vauxhall( GM Motors) pattern 4 studs, purely because i found some rims i quite liked at a reasonable price and they were something different that you dont see very often on a VW.

I'm using new drums and discs drilled in the stud pattern needed.

Ill post some pics when they are finished.

[zen]

Porsche rims are mostly used just because of the brake conversions. makes it easier. i personally love the Porsche rims though is why i went there and if you have the time, you can find the deals. i got a set of near flawless 2001 Boxster 17's for $425. the deals are out there.

that said, absolutely nothing wrong with running other rims. just find what you like, make sure it comes in the offset you need and convert to the bolt pattern.

[Rob]

I am running Enkei Rims (only 15" though).
I had to get custom drilled rotors and drums, but I can now use any type
of Honda (read: tons available) pattern rim.

Rob.

[oasis]

Originally Posted by rip

I would like to run 17x7 rims and because I can't afford porsche rims, ... I really like the look of the 5 spoked porsche twisties. And I bought a import magazine to try and get a feel for who sells something similar. But the problem is that if I were to narrow the search down a bit there are so many companies there, I little to no way of knowing the quality of the rim.

Check eBay for the specific rims you want. I don't know about Porsche specifically, but the wheels I want are always being auctioned for 20-35% of retail.

Also, go to TireRack.com. Pick some cars that have the bolt pattern you have or want, and see what rims are available. Their selection is amazing. I am not sure about their site but I've seen print ads from them saying they accept trade-ins of stock wheels. Maybe they the Twisties you want at a used wheel price.

I've been universally told that all wheel companies are pretty good. The higher priced wheels are generally because of extreme sizing, light-weight construction, and/or brand-name appeal. Quality would only be an issue if you are a serious racer.

[zen]

Originally Posted by oasis

Quality would only be an issue if you are a serious racer.

not necessarily. Rim manufactures in the US don't have to follow the same government regulations as other countries. My understanding is that we are much more lax. Porsche and other Euro companies have to meet TUV standards. I am no expert on this though. Take it with a grain of salt.

But I have heard many complaints about some makes that bend easy. that is enough to concern me and keep Me with the major players.

[lowemp]

Spend some time on ebay and be patient. I got a set of boxster 16" with new michelin pilots for $350. Audi wheels go pretty cheap also. I prefer factory wheels rather than aftermarket. unless you spend more than $300 per wheel the aftermarkets are lower quality.

[oasis]

Originally Posted by zen

Rim manufactures in the US don't have to follow the same government regulations as other countries. My understanding is that we are much more lax. Porsche and other Euro companies have to meet TUV standards. I am no expert on this though. Take it with a grain of salt.

But I have heard many complaints about some makes that bend easy. that is enough to concern me and keep Me with the major players.

I would trust Zen's sources with the grain of salt over mine. All of my sources were trying to sell me wheels for my Cabrio. I get the sense that some of these water-cooled hop-up joints around me would sell suspenders to a snake.

My instincts are in tune with Zen's. I'm going with BBS-manufactured wheels myself.

[volksdragon]

personally i'd love to see a set of audi tt 5 spokes on a super.
they can be had for much less than twists. :agree:

[hey its antman]

What kind of shop did you guys go too to have your drums redrilled to fit other size wheels? Yeah, I'm new at this.... :righton:

[Rob]

If I recall correctly I ordered mine custom drilled from CIP1.com.
(both the drums and the discs)

Rob.

[vujade]

I had a local machine shop drill mine...

[hey its antman]

Damn you guys are quick. I have to get use to this... :raiseroof

[hey its antman]

CIP1.com

I called them and they told me they had 4 already redrilled to fit porsche wheels for $275. Is that a good price?

[Rob]

I think that's about what I paid.
Just check a couple other vendors and see where you can get teh best price (don't forget shipping).
I think aircooled.net has them as well.

Rob.